4 EEPORT OF THE SECRETARY. 



thorized to conclude the purchase if found satisfactory. By letter dated 

 May 10, 1887, the purchase of the likeness, at £1 lUs.,.was approved; 

 and the colored drawing was forwarded to this Institution, where it 

 will be dei)osited with the other relics of Smithson. The water-color 

 is 7 inches by C inches in size, representing Smithson in his academic 

 cap and gown (at the age of probably twenty-five years), and is in a 

 fresh and excellent condition. 



BUILDINGS. 



Smithsonian Building. — The western corridor, or range, connecting the 

 main building of the Institution with its extreme western wing, in 

 which have been deposited of late years all the large alcoholic collec- 

 tions of the National Museum and of the Fish Commission, not having 

 its floors, ceilings, and roof originally built fire-proof, representation has 

 several times been made to Congress that the United States national 

 collections were thereby seriously endangered, and that a moderate ap- 

 propriation for providing against such risk was eminently just and ad- 

 visable. At the last session of Congress an appropriation of $15,000 

 was granted for putting this range in good fire-proof condition. Pro- 

 posals for the work were at once published, and the desired repairs 

 have been commenced and will be vigorously pushed forward. 



National Museum Building. — The building erected by Government for 

 the National Museum, at a remarkably small cost, continues to give sat- 

 isfaction in every particular excepting in its extent. The overflowing 

 wealth of the collections cannot at present be properly displayed or 

 protected; and the necessity of additional accommodations becomes 

 every year more pressing. The Regents having authorized some years 

 ago an application to Congress for relief, the present opportunity should 

 not be neglected for again respectfully and urgently pressing upon the 

 attention of Senators and Members of the House of Representatives 

 the claims of the National Museum for an additional building, at least 

 as large as the present one. 



Armory Square. — A communication dated June 1, 1887, was received 

 from Col. John M. Wilson, in charge of the public buildings and grounds, 

 informing me that it was proposed to re-name Armory Square (extend- 

 ing from Sixth to Seventh streets, and from B street north to B street 

 south), after our late distinguished Secretary, the ♦' Henry Park." 

 The adjoining triangular reservation, extending eastward from Sixth- 

 street to Third street, is now known as the Seaton Park. 



To this communication an expression of cordial approval was re- 

 turned to Colonel Wilson, through the Acting Secretary, Professor 

 Langley. 



CORRESPONDENCE. 



This important branch of Smithsonian operations embraces a wide 

 range of applications and of topics in addition to the necessarily large 



